Costa Elected Democratic Leader

Harrisburg –State Senate Democrats today elected Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) as their new Democratic floor leader.

“I am honored that my Senate Democratic colleagues have expressed the confidence in me to lead them in the next session. I hope to provide strong, aggressive and unified leadership as we work together to solve problems,” Costa said.

Last session, Costa was elected by his colleagues to serve as Democratic Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He was first elected to the Senate in 1996 and previously served as Allegheny County Register of Wills (1992-96) and Deputy Sheriff (1984-89).

Costa succeeds retiring Democratic Leader Bob Mellow (D-Lackawanna/
Luzerne/Monroe), who held the position since 1989.

Other Democratic senators were also elected to the leadership slate.

Sen. Vincent Hughes (D-Phila./Montgomery) was elected Senate Democratic Appropriations Committee chairman. Hughes has served in the state legislature since 1987. He was elected to the Senate in 1994 and most recently served as Democratic Caucus chairman.

“We have to find common ground and work together -- and we will,” Hughes said. “Job creation needs to be a top priority and I will work with my colleagues to ensure that their good ideas contribute to our collective solution.”

Sen. Michael A. O’Pake (D-Berks) was re-elected Senate Democratic whip. He was first elected to the state Senate in 1972 after serving two terms in the state House of Representatives.

“I am grateful to my Senate Democratic colleagues for their continued trust and support,” O’Pake said. “I look forward to working on tough issues such as property tax reform with my colleagues to help Berks County and Pennsylvania residents.”

Sen. Anthony H. Williams (D-Phila./Delaware) was elected caucus chairman. Williams first joined the Senate in 1998. He began his career in public service at the age of 31, first winning office as a state representative.

“By working together with all senators from across the state we can craft solutions that really impact lives,” Williams said. “Our caucus stands firm for working families, improving schools and enhancing the daily lives of all Pennsylvanians.”

The new Democratic Caucus secretary is Sen. Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia). She was elected to the Senate in 1994. Prior to her election to the Senate, the Philadelphia Democrat served as business representative for the United Food and Commercial Workers Union.

“The Senate Democratic leadership team is strong and balanced and represents diverse views,” Tartaglione said. “We have the ability to explore new ideas and initiatives and will move forward together.”

Sen. Richard Kasunic (D-Fayette/Somerset) was re-elected Senate Democratic Policy Committee chairman. Kasunic was elected to the Senate in November 1994 but also served as a member of the state House of Representatives.

“I have always prided myself in providing a forum for open discussion and dialogue on important issues facing all Pennsylvanians,” Kasunic said. “I pledge to keep the policy committee active and viable.”

Elected to the leadership team as caucus administrator was Sen. Lisa Boscola (D-Northampton/Lehigh/Monroe). Boscola was first elected to the state House in 1994. She was elected to the Senate in 1998.

“I will bring a unique perspective from a growing part of Pennsylvania to the Senate Democratic leadership team,” Boscola said. “We need to be unified and vigilant as we deal with pressing issues like a tight state budget, reapportionment and creating jobs for working men and women. “